Suspenders



Dec. 6, 1938. F. R. PRINA 2,139,517

' SUSFENDER;

Original F'iled May 21, 1957 I INVENTOR 5622K. R. Prirzd ATTO RN EY Patented Dec. 6, 1938 PATENT OFFICE SUSPENDERS Frank R. Prina, New York, N. Y., assignor to New York Clasp Corporation Application May 21, 1937, Serial No. 143,914 Renewed August 24, 1938 2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a swing connector for suspender backs, braces and the like.

More specifically, the invention is characterizedby the provision of rigid elements securely attached to a pair of parallel straps and being formed with convexed arcuate shaped slots through which a band may be engaged for forming a pair of suspenders in which the back conm; necting element will freely swing to various positions in all of the possible positions of ones body.

Still further the invention proposes that the rigid elements be formed of leather, metal, or a composition material and that they be applied to one face or both faces of the parallel straps,

as desired.

Still further the invention provides for a means for adjustably connecting together the ends of the band so that they may be adjusted to suit the specific requirements. of the wearer.

Still further the invention provides that the rigid elements be provided with spiral shaped slots through which the band is adapted to extend and in which the position of the band may be changed from one portion of the spiral to another portion of the spiral to control the distance through which the band will pivot with relation to the rigid elements when one moves his body.

Still further the invention provides for a means for holding the band in position within the inner turn of the spiral shaped slot.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a mate rial part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of sus penders constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing a modification of the invention.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 1 showing a still further modification of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 4 but showing the elements in another position.

The swing connector for suspender backs, braces and the like comprises rigid elements H) which are securely attached to a pair of shoulder straps II at positions transverse of the longitudinal length of the straps II and having convexed arcuate shaped slots I2 with the curves opposed to each other. A band l3 engages through the slots I2 and is adapted to assume diiferent positions along the arcuate shaped slots ii in the various positions. of ones body.

The straps H consist of strips of elastic material which are provided at their front ends with conventional button engaging straps M which are provided with openings l5 for engaging the buttons on the topfront portion of a pair of trousers. The rear end of the straps ii are provided with conventional rear end button engaging elements It which are provided with openings I! which are adapted to engage the buttons on the top back portion of the trousers.

The rigid elements ID are constructed of leather, metal or composition material and may be applied to one face or both faces of the straps H, as desired. The adjacent edges of the rigid elements ID are provided with projecting portions ll] through which the arcuate slots l2 are formed, The band I3 is engaged through the slots [2 and has its ends I3 fixedly attached together by means of stitches 18 or any other similar holding means.

In this form of the invention when the straps. H are engaging over ones shoulders and pressure is applied upon any one strap, that strap may easily stretch while the other one contracts, and the band l3 may move within the arcuate slots I2 to a position in which the taut strap will assume a natural position on ones shoulders.

In the modification shown in Fig. 3 the band I3 is provided at its ends with a means by which the length of this band may be controlled to suit the specific needs of the wearer. One of the ends [3 is provided with a buckle l9 and the other end l3 is adapted to engage the buckle for holding the band iii in its desired adjusted position.

The operation of this form of the invention is. as follows:-

If a slim person is wearing the suspenders and finds that it is difficult to keep the straps It in position upon his shoulders, he may adjust the length of the band l3 to draw the back end oi the straps l l closer together to make them more easily conform with his form. If a stout person is wearing the suspenders it will be necessary for him to lengthen the band l3 in order to permit the straps I I to easily pass over his shoulders without binding in the vicinity of the neck.

In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous form and similar parts may be identified by corresponding reference numerals.

According to the modification shown in Figs. 4 and 5 a pair of shoulder straps H are shown which have rigid elements l which are provided with projecting portions [0 in which spiral slots I! are formed. A band l3 engages through the spiral slot l2 and may engage either the outer or inner turn of the slot I2 to control the relative motion between the band l3 and the rigid elements l O. Ameans isprovided for bolding the band within the inner turn of the spiral slot l2 and consists of a member 2 0 which is hingedly mounted at one of its ends by means of a pintle pin 2| and is provided at the other of its ends with a projecting pin 22 which is adapted to engage an opening 23 formed in a portion of the rigid element [0 across the slot l2. This member 20 may be pivoted to the position shown in the dot and dash lines 20 in Fig. 4 in order to hold the band l3 in position Within the inner turn of the spiral slot [2.

The operation of this form of the device is as follows:

The position of the elements shown in Fig. 4 is one which corresponds with the position of the elements shown in Fig. 1 in which the band l3 engages the larger turn of the spiral slot [2 to permit the band l3 to move through a large distance when one moves his body. If it is desired to reduce the movement of the band I3 the band is shifted to a position within the smaller turn of the spiral slot l2 (see Fig. 5) and the mem-- ber 20 is pivoted to a position in which the pin 22 engages the opening 23 for holding the band within this turn in all of the positions of the parallel straps H. In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous form and similar parts may be recognized by the same reference numerals,

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with a pair of parallel straps, rigid elements secured on said straps at positions transverse of the longitudinal lengths of said straps, and having spiral shaped slots with the curves opposed to each other, and a band engaging through said slots, said band being capable of being slipped through the various turns of said spiral shaped slot, and means for holding said band in said turns.

2. In combination with a pair of parallel straps, rigid elements secured on said straps at positions transverse of the longitudinal lengths of said straps, and having spiral shaped slots with the curves opposed to each other, and a band engaging through said slots, said band being capable of being slipped through the various turns of said spiral shaped slot, and means for holding said band in said turns, said means comprising a member pivotally mounted at one of its ends upon said rigid element and a pin projecting from the other end of said member and adapted to engage an opening formed in said rigid element on the other side of said spiral slot for keeping said band in position within said inner turn.

FRANK R. PRINA. 

